FHIR R4 Symptoms Implementation Guide
1.0.0-ballot - STU 1 Ballot International flag

FHIR R4 Symptoms Implementation Guide, published by HL7 International / Clinical Interoperability Council. This guide is not an authorized publication; it is the continuous build for version 1.0.0-ballot built by the FHIR (HL7® FHIR® Standard) CI Build. This version is based on the current content of https://github.com/HL7/fhir-symptoms-ig/ and changes regularly. See the Directory of published versions

Resource Profile: Assessment Scale Single Observation

Official URL: http://hl7.org/fhir/uv/symptoms/StructureDefinition/AssessmentScaleObservation Version: 1.0.0-ballot
Standards status: Trial-use Active as of 2025-12-17 Maturity Level: 1 Computable Name: AssessmentScaleObservation

An exchange of post-acute care observation for a patient. This profile is used for exchanging an observation for a single question generally included in a structured resource (e.g., assessment tool, instrument, or screen). NOTE: This profile is a universal flavour of the PACIO PFE Personal Functioning and Engagement Single Observation profile.

Mandatory Data Elements

The following data elements must always be present or must be supported if the data is present in the sending system (Must Support definition). They are presented below with a simple human-readable explanation. Profile specific guidance and examples are provided as well. The Formal Profile Definition below provides the formal summary, definitions, and terminology requirements.

Each Assessment Scale Observation must have:

  1. a status
  2. a category code of "survey"
  3. a code identifying the question asked or observation made
  4. a patient
  5. the point in time or period when the observation was made
  6. who made the observation

Each Assessment Scale Observation must support:

  1. the answer
  2. related questionnaire responses that this observation is made from

Profile specific implementation guidance:

  • These observations represent a specific question or observation, so the Observation.value element SHALL be populated and the hasMember list SHALL be empty.

Usages:

You can also check for usages in the FHIR IG Statistics

Formal Views of Profile Content

Description Differentials, Snapshots, and other representations.

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... status ?!SΣ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
.... category:survey S 1..1 CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.

Required Pattern: At least the following
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
...... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: survey
...... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
...... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
..... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... code SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Code representing the specific assessment survey
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
... subject SΣ 1..1 Reference(Patient) Who and/or what the observation is about
... effective[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
... issued SΣ 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer SΣ 1..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson) The person who conducted the assessment survey
... value[x] SΣC 1..1 Actual result
.... valueQuantity Quantity
.... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
.... valueString string
.... valueBoolean boolean
.... valueInteger integer
.... valueRange Range
.... valueRatio Ratio
.... valueSampledData SampledData
.... valueTime time
.... valueDateTime dateTime
.... valuePeriod Period
... derivedFrom Σ 0..* Reference(QuestionnaireResponse | Observation) Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category:survey Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
... status S 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
... Slices for category S 1..* CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:$this
.... category:survey S 1..1 CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Required Pattern: At least the following
..... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
...... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: survey
... code S 1..1 CodeableConcept Code representing the specific assessment survey
... effective[x] S 1..1 dateTime Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
... issued S 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer S 1..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson) The person who conducted the assessment survey
... value[x] S 1..1 Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period Actual result
... hasMember 0..0 Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
... derivedFrom 0..* Reference(QuestionnaireResponse | Observation) Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from

doco Documentation for this format
NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... id Σ 0..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... meta Σ 0..1 Meta Metadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... language 0..1 code Language of the resource content
Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred): A human language.
Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguages Max Binding
... text 0..1 Narrative Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
This profile does not constrain the narrative in regard to content, language, or traceability to data elements
... contained 0..* Resource Contained, inline Resources
... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Business Identifier for observation
... basedOn Σ 0..* Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest) Fulfills plan, proposal or order
... partOf Σ 0..* Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy) Part of referenced event
... status ?!SΣ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
... Slices for category S 1..* CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:$this
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.
.... category:survey S 1..1 CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.

Required Pattern: At least the following
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
...... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: survey
...... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
...... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
..... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... code SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Code representing the specific assessment survey
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
... subject SΣ 1..1 Reference(Patient) Who and/or what the observation is about
... focus Σ 0..* Reference(Resource) What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
... encounter Σ 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Healthcare event during which this observation is made
... effective[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
... issued SΣ 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer SΣ 1..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson) The person who conducted the assessment survey
... value[x] SΣC 1..1 Actual result
.... valueQuantity Quantity
.... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
.... valueString string
.... valueBoolean boolean
.... valueInteger integer
.... valueRange Range
.... valueRatio Ratio
.... valueSampledData SampledData
.... valueTime time
.... valueDateTime dateTime
.... valuePeriod Period
... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
... note 0..* Annotation Comments about the observation
... bodySite 0..1 CodeableConcept Observed body part
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
... method 0..1 CodeableConcept How it was done
Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.
... specimen 0..1 Reference(Specimen) Specimen used for this observation
... device 0..1 Reference(Device | DeviceMetric) (Measurement) Device
... referenceRange C 0..* BackboneElement Provides guide for interpretation
Constraints: obs-3
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... low C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Low Range, if relevant
.... high C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) High Range, if relevant
.... type 0..1 CodeableConcept Reference range qualifier
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.
.... appliesTo 0..* CodeableConcept Reference range population
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.
.... age 0..1 Range Applicable age range, if relevant
.... text 0..1 string Text based reference range in an observation
... derivedFrom Σ 0..* Reference(QuestionnaireResponse | Observation) Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from
... component Σ 0..* BackboneElement Component results
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
.... value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
..... valueQuantity Quantity
..... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
..... valueString string
..... valueBoolean boolean
..... valueInteger integer
..... valueRange Range
..... valueRatio Ratio
..... valueSampledData SampledData
..... valueTime time
..... valueDateTime dateTime
..... valuePeriod Period
.... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
.... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
.... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category:survey Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.bodySite Base example SNOMED CT Body Structures 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.method Base example Observation Methods 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​type Base preferred Observation Reference Range Meaning Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​appliesTo Base example Observation Reference Range Applies To Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3 error Observation.referenceRange Must have at least a low or a high or text low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()
.Data
..Classification of type of observation
Cardinality: 1..*
CodeableConcept
 A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

 value is bound to Observation Category Codes (10 codes)
..Classification of type of observation
Cardinality: 1..1
CodeableConcept
 A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

 value must match Observation Category Codes: survey("Survey") from Observation Category Codes (10 codes)
..Code representing the specific assessment survey
Cardinality: 1..1
CodeableConcept
 Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "name".

 value is bound to LOINC Codes (>1000 codes)
..Actual result
Cardinality: 1..1
Choice
 The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

 value is a choice of:
.Protocol
..The person who conducted the assessment survey
Cardinality: 1..1
Reference
 Who was responsible for asserting the observed value as "true".

 value must point to one of Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization, CareTeam, Patient or RelatedPerson
..Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from
Cardinality: 0..*
Reference
 The target resource that represents a measurement from which this observation value is derived. For example, a calculated anion gap or a fetal measurement based on an ultrasound image.

 value must point to one of QuestionnaireResponse or Observation
.Context
..Who and/or what the observation is about
Cardinality: 1..1
Reference
 The patient, or group of patients, location, or device this observation is about and into whose record the observation is placed. If the actual focus of the observation is different from the subject (or a sample of, part, or region of the subject), the focus element or the code itself specifies the actual focus of the observation.

 value must point to a Patient

doco Documentation for this format

Summary

Mandatory: 6 elements
Must-Support: 9 elements
Prohibited: 1 element

Slices

This structure defines the following Slices:

  • The element 1 is sliced based on the value of Observation.category

Maturity: 1

Key Elements View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... status ?!SΣ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
.... category:survey S 1..1 CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.

Required Pattern: At least the following
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
...... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: survey
...... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
...... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
..... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... code SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Code representing the specific assessment survey
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
... subject SΣ 1..1 Reference(Patient) Who and/or what the observation is about
... effective[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
... issued SΣ 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer SΣ 1..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson) The person who conducted the assessment survey
... value[x] SΣC 1..1 Actual result
.... valueQuantity Quantity
.... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
.... valueString string
.... valueBoolean boolean
.... valueInteger integer
.... valueRange Range
.... valueRatio Ratio
.... valueSampledData SampledData
.... valueTime time
.... valueDateTime dateTime
.... valuePeriod Period
... derivedFrom Σ 0..* Reference(QuestionnaireResponse | Observation) Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category:survey Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

Differential View

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
... status S 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
... Slices for category S 1..* CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:$this
.... category:survey S 1..1 CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Required Pattern: At least the following
..... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
...... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: survey
... code S 1..1 CodeableConcept Code representing the specific assessment survey
... effective[x] S 1..1 dateTime Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
... issued S 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer S 1..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson) The person who conducted the assessment survey
... value[x] S 1..1 Quantity, CodeableConcept, string, boolean, integer, Range, Ratio, SampledData, time, dateTime, Period Actual result
... hasMember 0..0 Related resource that belongs to the Observation group
... derivedFrom 0..* Reference(QuestionnaireResponse | Observation) Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from

doco Documentation for this format

Snapshot ViewView

NameFlagsCard.TypeDescription & Constraints    Filter: Filtersdoco
.. Observation C 0..* Observation Measurements and simple assertions
Constraints: obs-6, obs-7
... id Σ 0..1 id Logical id of this artifact
... meta Σ 0..1 Meta Metadata about the resource
... implicitRules ?!Σ 0..1 uri A set of rules under which this content was created
... language 0..1 code Language of the resource content
Binding: CommonLanguages (preferred): A human language.
Additional BindingsPurpose
AllLanguages Max Binding
... text 0..1 Narrative Text summary of the resource, for human interpretation
This profile does not constrain the narrative in regard to content, language, or traceability to data elements
... contained 0..* Resource Contained, inline Resources
... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
... modifierExtension ?! 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored
... identifier Σ 0..* Identifier Business Identifier for observation
... basedOn Σ 0..* Reference(CarePlan | DeviceRequest | ImmunizationRecommendation | MedicationRequest | NutritionOrder | ServiceRequest) Fulfills plan, proposal or order
... partOf Σ 0..* Reference(MedicationAdministration | MedicationDispense | MedicationStatement | Procedure | Immunization | ImagingStudy) Part of referenced event
... status ?!SΣ 1..1 code registered | preliminary | final | amended +
Binding: ObservationStatus (required): Codes providing the status of an observation.
... Slices for category S 1..* CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Slice: Unordered, Open by value:$this
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.
.... category:survey S 1..1 CodeableConcept Classification of type of observation
Binding: ObservationCategoryCodes (preferred): Codes for high level observation categories.

Required Pattern: At least the following
..... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
..... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
..... coding 1..* Coding Code defined by a terminology system
Fixed Value: (Complex)
...... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
...... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
...... system 1..1 uri Identity of the terminology system
Fixed Value: http://terminology.hl7.org/CodeSystem/observation-category
...... version 0..1 string Version of the system - if relevant
...... code 1..1 code Symbol in syntax defined by the system
Fixed Value: survey
...... display 0..1 string Representation defined by the system
...... userSelected 0..1 boolean If this coding was chosen directly by the user
..... text 0..1 string Plain text representation of the concept
... code SΣ 1..1 CodeableConcept Code representing the specific assessment survey
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
... subject SΣ 1..1 Reference(Patient) Who and/or what the observation is about
... focus Σ 0..* Reference(Resource) What the observation is about, when it is not about the subject of record
... encounter Σ 0..1 Reference(Encounter) Healthcare event during which this observation is made
... effective[x] SΣ 1..1 dateTime Clinically relevant time/time-period for observation
... issued SΣ 0..1 instant Date/Time this version was made available
... performer SΣ 1..1 Reference(Practitioner | PractitionerRole | Organization | CareTeam | Patient | RelatedPerson) The person who conducted the assessment survey
... value[x] SΣC 1..1 Actual result
.... valueQuantity Quantity
.... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
.... valueString string
.... valueBoolean boolean
.... valueInteger integer
.... valueRange Range
.... valueRatio Ratio
.... valueSampledData SampledData
.... valueTime time
.... valueDateTime dateTime
.... valuePeriod Period
... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
... note 0..* Annotation Comments about the observation
... bodySite 0..1 CodeableConcept Observed body part
Binding: SNOMEDCTBodyStructures (example): Codes describing anatomical locations. May include laterality.
... method 0..1 CodeableConcept How it was done
Binding: ObservationMethods (example): Methods for simple observations.
... specimen 0..1 Reference(Specimen) Specimen used for this observation
... device 0..1 Reference(Device | DeviceMetric) (Measurement) Device
... referenceRange C 0..* BackboneElement Provides guide for interpretation
Constraints: obs-3
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... low C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) Low Range, if relevant
.... high C 0..1 SimpleQuantity(4.0.1) High Range, if relevant
.... type 0..1 CodeableConcept Reference range qualifier
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeMeaningCodes (preferred): Code for the meaning of a reference range.
.... appliesTo 0..* CodeableConcept Reference range population
Binding: ObservationReferenceRangeAppliesToCodes (example): Codes identifying the population the reference range applies to.
.... age 0..1 Range Applicable age range, if relevant
.... text 0..1 string Text based reference range in an observation
... derivedFrom Σ 0..* Reference(QuestionnaireResponse | Observation) Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from
... component Σ 0..* BackboneElement Component results
.... id 0..1 string Unique id for inter-element referencing
.... extension 0..* Extension Additional content defined by implementations
.... modifierExtension ?!Σ 0..* Extension Extensions that cannot be ignored even if unrecognized
.... code Σ 1..1 CodeableConcept Type of component observation (code / type)
Binding: LOINCCodes (example): Codes identifying names of simple observations.
.... value[x] Σ 0..1 Actual component result
..... valueQuantity Quantity
..... valueCodeableConcept CodeableConcept
..... valueString string
..... valueBoolean boolean
..... valueInteger integer
..... valueRange Range
..... valueRatio Ratio
..... valueSampledData SampledData
..... valueTime time
..... valueDateTime dateTime
..... valuePeriod Period
.... dataAbsentReason C 0..1 CodeableConcept Why the component result is missing
Binding: DataAbsentReason (extensible): Codes specifying why the result (Observation.value[x]) is missing.
.... interpretation 0..* CodeableConcept High, low, normal, etc.
Binding: ObservationInterpretationCodes (extensible): Codes identifying interpretations of observations.
.... referenceRange 0..* See referenceRange (Observation) Provides guide for interpretation of component result

doco Documentation for this format

Terminology Bindings

Path Status Usage ValueSet Version Source
Observation.language Base preferred Common Languages 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.status Base required ObservationStatus 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.category:survey Base preferred Observation Category Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.bodySite Base example SNOMED CT Body Structures 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.method Base example Observation Methods 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​type Base preferred Observation Reference Range Meaning Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.referenceRange.​appliesTo Base example Observation Reference Range Applies To Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​code Base example LOINC Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​dataAbsentReason Base extensible DataAbsentReason 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.
Observation.component.​interpretation Base extensible Observation Interpretation Codes 📍4.0.1 FHIR Std.

Constraints

Id Grade Path(s) Description Expression
dom-2 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT contain nested Resources contained.contained.empty()
dom-3 error Observation If the resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL be referred to from elsewhere in the resource or SHALL refer to the containing resource contained.where((('#'+id in (%resource.descendants().reference | %resource.descendants().as(canonical) | %resource.descendants().as(uri) | %resource.descendants().as(url))) or descendants().where(reference = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists() or descendants().where(as(canonical) = '#').exists()).not()).trace('unmatched', id).empty()
dom-4 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a meta.versionId or a meta.lastUpdated contained.meta.versionId.empty() and contained.meta.lastUpdated.empty()
dom-5 error Observation If a resource is contained in another resource, it SHALL NOT have a security label contained.meta.security.empty()
dom-6 best practice Observation A resource should have narrative for robust management text.`div`.exists()
ele-1 error **ALL** elements All FHIR elements must have a @value or children hasValue() or (children().count() > id.count())
ext-1 error **ALL** extensions Must have either extensions or value[x], not both extension.exists() != value.exists()
obs-3 error Observation.referenceRange Must have at least a low or a high or text low.exists() or high.exists() or text.exists()
obs-6 error Observation dataAbsentReason SHALL only be present if Observation.value[x] is not present dataAbsentReason.empty() or value.empty()
obs-7 error Observation If Observation.code is the same as an Observation.component.code then the value element associated with the code SHALL NOT be present value.empty() or component.code.where(coding.intersect(%resource.code.coding).exists()).empty()

openEHR View

.Data
..Classification of type of observation
Cardinality: 1..*
CodeableConcept
 A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

 value is bound to Observation Category Codes (10 codes)
..Classification of type of observation
Cardinality: 1..1
CodeableConcept
 A code that classifies the general type of observation being made.

 value must match Observation Category Codes: survey("Survey") from Observation Category Codes (10 codes)
..Code representing the specific assessment survey
Cardinality: 1..1
CodeableConcept
 Describes what was observed. Sometimes this is called the observation "name".

 value is bound to LOINC Codes (>1000 codes)
..Actual result
Cardinality: 1..1
Choice
 The information determined as a result of making the observation, if the information has a simple value.

 value is a choice of:
.Protocol
..The person who conducted the assessment survey
Cardinality: 1..1
Reference
 Who was responsible for asserting the observed value as "true".

 value must point to one of Practitioner, PractitionerRole, Organization, CareTeam, Patient or RelatedPerson
..Should point to the QuestionnaireResponse that this observation is derived from
Cardinality: 0..*
Reference
 The target resource that represents a measurement from which this observation value is derived. For example, a calculated anion gap or a fetal measurement based on an ultrasound image.

 value must point to one of QuestionnaireResponse or Observation
.Context
..Who and/or what the observation is about
Cardinality: 1..1
Reference
 The patient, or group of patients, location, or device this observation is about and into whose record the observation is placed. If the actual focus of the observation is different from the subject (or a sample of, part, or region of the subject), the focus element or the code itself specifies the actual focus of the observation.

 value must point to a Patient

doco Documentation for this format

Summary

Mandatory: 6 elements
Must-Support: 9 elements
Prohibited: 1 element

Slices

This structure defines the following Slices:

  • The element 1 is sliced based on the value of Observation.category

Maturity: 1

 

Other representations of profile: CSV, Excel, Schematron